Johny was rejected by his mother when he was born. At five months old, he was taken in by the Starostik couple, living with them in their home until he was one year old, as he needed special care such as bottle feeding every two hours. Through this close interaction, they realized the importance of providing Johny with an appropriate place for his development and ensuring he had the opportunity to live with other chimpanzees.

This awakened a cause in the couple: the protection of great apes living in poor conditions. From there, they founded the Anami Conservation Institute, and it wasn’t long before other rescued chimpanzees joined the group.

Johny lived for almost fifteen years in the company of five other chimpanzees, discovering new experiences, especially with Caíque, with whom he spent hours grooming and sunbathing.

At fourteen years of age, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and needed special care. Unfortunately, he did not survive for long. Johny was the beginning of everything, of a struggle that will never die.

He passed away on November 29, 2014.